National Forum

GAA Should Campaign For A United Ireland.

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Replying To Whammo86:  "
Replying To tearintom:  "[quote=cavanman47:  ""[For the north of Ireland
The UK's annual subvention is just over €10bn annually. When seen from the perspective of the North, with its total GDP of under €50bn, it looks like a significant figure - but when seen from the perspective of Dublin, it is not insurmountable. The usual way financial markets assess whether national expenditure and debts are sustainable is the debt/GDP ratio. Northern Ireland would cost less than 4 per cent of the Irish Republic's GDP annually. Of course, even this manageable figure would end up lower because the combined Irish GDP of the Republic combined with the North would be well over €300 billion, reducing the subvention as a percentage of income yet more. In pure budgetary terms, there is little doubt that the Republic's economy could absorb the North and this is before the commercial dynamism of unification kicks in.

And the above doesn't even factor in the strong likelihood of continued financial contributions from the UK, as well as the EU and perhaps US, towards a post-unity Six Counties."

- David McWilliams


But why would we listen to him, eh?"
Maybe because he was the same fella who thought the bank guarantee was a great idea when Brian Lenihan asked him?

Im all for a united Ireland even if it will mean a bit of monetary pain in the short term likely for everyone on this island.

But i also believe that the GAA should not be taking an official stance on it and one of the reasons being keeping the GAA out of it means its much more likely in my opinion.

Like it or not a united Ireland is going to require a social surrender in many ways which in my opinion would be totally worth it. The Unionist population fear a complete eradication of their culture and view the GAA with high suspicion so having the GAA take an unprecedented approach of campaigning on a political matter will in reality have them pull totally against the idea.

For a United Ireland to happen and to work its going to take years of working together and acceptance of all sides with as i said above a degree of social surrender on all sides, a broadly recognised National Sporting organisation actively pursuing a political agenda would have the exact opposite affect to what it wants and whats needed ie: bringin all communities together, i mean think of a broadly Unionist organisation with no poltiical engagement doing the opposite and fighting against a United Ireland on the flip side? We would end up getting nowhere.

We should continue to pursue our organisations goals in an open and conciliatory manner for the good of the island as a whole and welcome dialogue and debate on what role we can play across the entire island for all people of all backgrounds, creeds, beliefs and religion and will do all we can to continue to do so no matter what ever happens in regards to a United Ireland.

IMHO keeping the GAA out of it makes a United Ireland more probable which im all for."]Great post.

I would love a united Ireland in the right circumstances.

The current opportunistic grab for it being spoken about by SF is not the right way to go about it.

That's not an unrealistic proposition for a Nationalist member of the association to hold. Even before getting into the economic factors, the intricacies of which are beyond my expertise, that could have members being turned off the idea.

I care about Ireland, I care about the state that has been put together, I care about the people in the North on all sides who suffered through decades of violence and where the situation is increasing in volatility right now.

I don't see there to be a compelling reason for the association to get itself involved now.

From a strategic point of view is having the GAA onboard even an advantage?"]Heaven forbid a political party being opportunistic!!
I want a united/new Ireland and I want it asap.
This discussion is now front and centre of political discussions in the north and those who are happy to wait for unionist approval are in for a long wait. I and many others will not be waiting on that approval.
The GAA is an Irish nationalist, cultural and sporting organisation and it has every right to pursue the aims of the organisation.

bumpernut (Antrim) - Posts: 1852 - 08/03/2019 23:53:16    2171183

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Replying To bumpernut:  "
Replying To Whammo86:  "[quote=tearintom:  "[quote=cavanman47:  ""[For the north of Ireland
The UK's annual subvention is just over €10bn annually. When seen from the perspective of the North, with its total GDP of under €50bn, it looks like a significant figure - but when seen from the perspective of Dublin, it is not insurmountable. The usual way financial markets assess whether national expenditure and debts are sustainable is the debt/GDP ratio. Northern Ireland would cost less than 4 per cent of the Irish Republic's GDP annually. Of course, even this manageable figure would end up lower because the combined Irish GDP of the Republic combined with the North would be well over €300 billion, reducing the subvention as a percentage of income yet more. In pure budgetary terms, there is little doubt that the Republic's economy could absorb the North and this is before the commercial dynamism of unification kicks in.

And the above doesn't even factor in the strong likelihood of continued financial contributions from the UK, as well as the EU and perhaps US, towards a post-unity Six Counties."

- David McWilliams


But why would we listen to him, eh?"
Maybe because he was the same fella who thought the bank guarantee was a great idea when Brian Lenihan asked him?

Im all for a united Ireland even if it will mean a bit of monetary pain in the short term likely for everyone on this island.

But i also believe that the GAA should not be taking an official stance on it and one of the reasons being keeping the GAA out of it means its much more likely in my opinion.

Like it or not a united Ireland is going to require a social surrender in many ways which in my opinion would be totally worth it. The Unionist population fear a complete eradication of their culture and view the GAA with high suspicion so having the GAA take an unprecedented approach of campaigning on a political matter will in reality have them pull totally against the idea.

For a United Ireland to happen and to work its going to take years of working together and acceptance of all sides with as i said above a degree of social surrender on all sides, a broadly recognised National Sporting organisation actively pursuing a political agenda would have the exact opposite affect to what it wants and whats needed ie: bringin all communities together, i mean think of a broadly Unionist organisation with no poltiical engagement doing the opposite and fighting against a United Ireland on the flip side? We would end up getting nowhere.

We should continue to pursue our organisations goals in an open and conciliatory manner for the good of the island as a whole and welcome dialogue and debate on what role we can play across the entire island for all people of all backgrounds, creeds, beliefs and religion and will do all we can to continue to do so no matter what ever happens in regards to a United Ireland.

IMHO keeping the GAA out of it makes a United Ireland more probable which im all for."]Great post.

I would love a united Ireland in the right circumstances.

The current opportunistic grab for it being spoken about by SF is not the right way to go about it.

That's not an unrealistic proposition for a Nationalist member of the association to hold. Even before getting into the economic factors, the intricacies of which are beyond my expertise, that could have members being turned off the idea.

I care about Ireland, I care about the state that has been put together, I care about the people in the North on all sides who suffered through decades of violence and where the situation is increasing in volatility right now.

I don't see there to be a compelling reason for the association to get itself involved now.

From a strategic point of view is having the GAA onboard even an advantage?"]Heaven forbid a political party being opportunistic!!
I want a united/new Ireland and I want it asap.
This discussion is now front and centre of political discussions in the north and those who are happy to wait for unionist approval are in for a long wait. I and many others will not be waiting on that approval.
The GAA is an Irish nationalist, cultural and sporting organisation and it has every right to pursue the aims of the organisation."]That's fine. Good for you.

I'm also a part of the association and don't agree with you.

Judging by this thread there are others that share similar sentiments.

The association is as much ours as it is yours and I don't think it should be hijacked for political gain where there isn't a strong consensus of membership in favour of the move.

Whammo86 (Antrim) - Posts: 4217 - 09/03/2019 08:14:04    2171193

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Replying To bumpernut:  "
Replying To Whammo86:  "[quote=tearintom:  "[quote=cavanman47:  ""[For the north of Ireland
The UK's annual subvention is just over €10bn annually. When seen from the perspective of the North, with its total GDP of under €50bn, it looks like a significant figure - but when seen from the perspective of Dublin, it is not insurmountable. The usual way financial markets assess whether national expenditure and debts are sustainable is the debt/GDP ratio. Northern Ireland would cost less than 4 per cent of the Irish Republic's GDP annually. Of course, even this manageable figure would end up lower because the combined Irish GDP of the Republic combined with the North would be well over €300 billion, reducing the subvention as a percentage of income yet more. In pure budgetary terms, there is little doubt that the Republic's economy could absorb the North and this is before the commercial dynamism of unification kicks in.

And the above doesn't even factor in the strong likelihood of continued financial contributions from the UK, as well as the EU and perhaps US, towards a post-unity Six Counties."

- David McWilliams


But why would we listen to him, eh?"
Maybe because he was the same fella who thought the bank guarantee was a great idea when Brian Lenihan asked him?

Im all for a united Ireland even if it will mean a bit of monetary pain in the short term likely for everyone on this island.

But i also believe that the GAA should not be taking an official stance on it and one of the reasons being keeping the GAA out of it means its much more likely in my opinion.

Like it or not a united Ireland is going to require a social surrender in many ways which in my opinion would be totally worth it. The Unionist population fear a complete eradication of their culture and view the GAA with high suspicion so having the GAA take an unprecedented approach of campaigning on a political matter will in reality have them pull totally against the idea.

For a United Ireland to happen and to work its going to take years of working together and acceptance of all sides with as i said above a degree of social surrender on all sides, a broadly recognised National Sporting organisation actively pursuing a political agenda would have the exact opposite affect to what it wants and whats needed ie: bringin all communities together, i mean think of a broadly Unionist organisation with no poltiical engagement doing the opposite and fighting against a United Ireland on the flip side? We would end up getting nowhere.

We should continue to pursue our organisations goals in an open and conciliatory manner for the good of the island as a whole and welcome dialogue and debate on what role we can play across the entire island for all people of all backgrounds, creeds, beliefs and religion and will do all we can to continue to do so no matter what ever happens in regards to a United Ireland.

IMHO keeping the GAA out of it makes a United Ireland more probable which im all for."]Great post.

I would love a united Ireland in the right circumstances.

The current opportunistic grab for it being spoken about by SF is not the right way to go about it.

That's not an unrealistic proposition for a Nationalist member of the association to hold. Even before getting into the economic factors, the intricacies of which are beyond my expertise, that could have members being turned off the idea.

I care about Ireland, I care about the state that has been put together, I care about the people in the North on all sides who suffered through decades of violence and where the situation is increasing in volatility right now.

I don't see there to be a compelling reason for the association to get itself involved now.

From a strategic point of view is having the GAA onboard even an advantage?"]Heaven forbid a political party being opportunistic!!
I want a united/new Ireland and I want it asap.
This discussion is now front and centre of political discussions in the north and those who are happy to wait for unionist approval are in for a long wait. I and many others will not be waiting on that approval.
The GAA is an Irish nationalist, cultural and sporting organisation and it has every right to pursue the aims of the organisation."]https://www.gaa.ie/the-gaa/administration/

GAA mission statement here.

I don't see anything about being pro a 32 county Ireland here.

I do read: We listen to and respect the views of all.

If someone wants to campaign for a united Ireland that's fine, there's another prominent organisation in place for you to join that has been pushing that agenda a long time

Whammo86 (Antrim) - Posts: 4217 - 09/03/2019 08:24:40    2171196

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After the Brits leave they will still have to be nice to the residents of the 6 counties, just like they took care of India, Jamaica etc. Would love to have Charles and Camila over for tea and biscuits to see Sam Maguire in Eyre Square.

maroondiesel (Mayo) - Posts: 1196 - 09/03/2019 12:10:21    2171226

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Replying To theweanling:  "Does anyone in the six counties even want to be part of a united ireland? things have been going pretty well and peaceful the last 20 years. Brexit of course has put a massive spanner in the works. just wondering would an independent state of its own be more beneficial for all?"
Sure why don't ye all just come back into the fold again then and rejoin us as part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland. It would be just like the old days and might teach them uppity Scots to stop whining about an independent Scotland.

seanie_boy (Tyrone) - Posts: 4235 - 09/03/2019 15:59:36    2171260

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Replying To Inaroundehouse:  "We can't look after what we have never mind looking after 6 more counties"
Worrying about the oul Euro in yer pocket like a true Cavan man. This is the stuff that makes me cringe half time about these conversations,many pay lip service at times to the idea but have no real will to put in the hard shift that might be expected to get the job done. Celebrate the men of 1916 and sing along to the Wolfe Tones is as far as some of yez are willing to go. No Irishman ever died fighting to establish into eternity a 26 county republic. Even the pro treaty advocates only ever viewed it as a stepping stone to a full republic on the whole island. As a cultural organization the GAA should absolutely lend its support to any future poll in favour of a United Ireland.

seanie_boy (Tyrone) - Posts: 4235 - 09/03/2019 16:06:55    2171261

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Replying To PaudieSull1:  "Just as well those same men and women 100 yrs ago didn't think and feel the same way as yourself or the British would still occupy the whole of this island, as there was no financial gain in what they did.....it's sad to see how less than 100 yrs since partition there are many in the 26 counties who would deny their fellow Irishmen the same rights and entitlements that were given to them on the struggle of many across the whole of the island...."
Well said Paudie!

Ailteoir (Galway) - Posts: 859 - 09/03/2019 19:44:02    2171289

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Some of the comments on here reflect how many literally have turned their back on the North. Some early comments even suggest the North of Ireland statelet is an actual country and therefore should try its hand at full independence as "Northern Ireland." I'm not saying the GAA as a, now, sporting organisation (yes I am aware of its' cultural and political leanings) should get involved in a campaign for a United Ireland. The GAA should remain as an organisation, a lever for the inclusion of all on this island, but we as individual Gaels must be so flippant to say sure they are "Northern Irish"' and should set up their own little country up there. Gaels up North are more acutely aware of their Irishness than most than South because they must fight for it. A United Ireland looks inevitable within the next 20 years so apathetic Southerns will have to get used to it just as much as Unionists and loyalists.

Wicklowman (Wicklow) - Posts: 1138 - 09/03/2019 20:18:01    2171298

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Simple answer to simple question No. Sport/politics/religion don't mix

culmore (None) - Posts: 1398 - 09/03/2019 20:23:22    2171302

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Replying To culmore:  "Simple answer to simple question No. Sport/politics/religion don't mix"
I think it's because of politics that the top level of GAA won't back a United Ireland. They seem more self-interested in media deals and cashing in on Super 8. Not so concerned that the other 24 who get very little media coverage which can generate sponsorship. Very few of them, publicly or privately don't have party loyalties. The main parties keep peddling the 'Sinn Féin links to terrorism, Sinn Féin policies are naive' to dissuade people voting for them. Their policies are much improved and they have plenty of decent candidates. They're the only 32 county party with a massive chance of governing a United Ireland. Fanna Fáil and Fine Gael still draw a big vote from families voting on party lines. Mary Lou has put a modern look on the party and I think the other parties will do their utmost still to do them down. But eventually they'll form a 32 county government.

GreenandRed (Mayo) - Posts: 7343 - 09/03/2019 21:04:36    2171315

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Anyone for tennis? Surprised the big lock hasn't appeared.

realdub (Dublin) - Posts: 8589 - 09/03/2019 21:30:05    2171317

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Replying To GreenandRed:  "I think it's because of politics that the top level of GAA won't back a United Ireland. They seem more self-interested in media deals and cashing in on Super 8. Not so concerned that the other 24 who get very little media coverage which can generate sponsorship. Very few of them, publicly or privately don't have party loyalties. The main parties keep peddling the 'Sinn Féin links to terrorism, Sinn Féin policies are naive' to dissuade people voting for them. Their policies are much improved and they have plenty of decent candidates. They're the only 32 county party with a massive chance of governing a United Ireland. Fanna Fáil and Fine Gael still draw a big vote from families voting on party lines. Mary Lou has put a modern look on the party and I think the other parties will do their utmost still to do them down. But eventually they'll form a 32 county government."
Well said GreenandRed, There is nothing to fear, everything else has been tried and failed.

tireoghainabu (Tyrone) - Posts: 274 - 09/03/2019 22:15:07    2171329

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Replying To royaldunne:  "In the nicest possible way. Go f ur self,"
He's obviously right though....you're a hard man to figure out sometimes. You seem to revel in annoying people on certain hot topics. I mean how could a gaa man not be for a United Ireland even it if was just in a fleeting sentimental day dream? Nobody says you should actively campaign yourself but could you not at least muster the moral support for the idea in general? I mean if we were to ask you if you are pro union what is the answer? Are you more supportive of the pro union/loyalist community than the nationalist/republican community? Honestly interested in your answer. There is no wrong answer either in fairness. It's just that I'd probably disagree with you and as fellow gaa people I'd be hoping for a more favorable pro united ireland stance from most other gaa people.

seanie_boy (Tyrone) - Posts: 4235 - 10/03/2019 05:21:21    2171345

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Replying To seanie_boy:  "He's obviously right though....you're a hard man to figure out sometimes. You seem to revel in annoying people on certain hot topics. I mean how could a gaa man not be for a United Ireland even it if was just in a fleeting sentimental day dream? Nobody says you should actively campaign yourself but could you not at least muster the moral support for the idea in general? I mean if we were to ask you if you are pro union what is the answer? Are you more supportive of the pro union/loyalist community than the nationalist/republican community? Honestly interested in your answer. There is no wrong answer either in fairness. It's just that I'd probably disagree with you and as fellow gaa people I'd be hoping for a more favorable pro united ireland stance from most other gaa people."
What??? Ok I'll give you a little bit of a history lesson of myself. my grandfather was in ashbourne in the ira in 1916, and fought under Micheál Collins. We grew up with a picture of the big fella beside the sacred heart picture and the red lamp, everyday we would be told to stand in front of it and remember that the big fella was seated at the right hand of our lord, if we spoke the word dev we would be told to spit afterwards, now for me while I adored my late dad looking back it was brainwashing, , we were always what would be described as constitutional nationalists these days, Austin Currie , john Hume and Seamus Mallon would be men I would admire in the upmost, however my quasi republican views were dealt a huge blow while living in Warington when they bombed it killing children, and while I know there was other unlawful killings, having been pulled in for questioning on that day cause I had a Irish accent (didn't bother me , and I completely understood why I was ) it left a bitter taste in mouth, and led me to profess not in my name , . On the flip side I have ZERO affiliation to unionists or there bigoted /racist views and actions. I find foster, dodds , Wilson etc to be the most repugnant people in politics on either side of the Irish Sea. I don't know how anyone could get that I am sympathetic in any way shape or form to the union or unionists POV. I am as I said a constitutional nationalist, I believe in a 32 county ire and will vote for same when the vote is called, however I do not want my sport (gaa football) that I live and breathe involved in it as a organization, individuals of course are welcome to do as they so wish.
I'll give a prime example many from Meath would know me from social media, I was a very big supporter of ssm (something the dup are against) but I understood the reason why David gaugh was not allowed to wear the wristband and I supported them in that. Also I would be quite prolife (not for religious reasons) but personal ones, i canvassed for a no vote in the referendum, but was highly critical of joe Sheridan a Meath man, who is a legend) and Mickey harte using the gaa to voice the same views as I was expressing. IMHO the only thing that could destroy the gaa is external politics, I go to a game to watch the flags of both counties to roar and shout on Meath , I don't go for any politics, and even if I agree with the arguments been put forward I don't want them mixed with sport.

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 10/03/2019 10:54:59    2171362

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Replying To seanie_boy:  "He's obviously right though....you're a hard man to figure out sometimes. You seem to revel in annoying people on certain hot topics. I mean how could a gaa man not be for a United Ireland even it if was just in a fleeting sentimental day dream? Nobody says you should actively campaign yourself but could you not at least muster the moral support for the idea in general? I mean if we were to ask you if you are pro union what is the answer? Are you more supportive of the pro union/loyalist community than the nationalist/republican community? Honestly interested in your answer. There is no wrong answer either in fairness. It's just that I'd probably disagree with you and as fellow gaa people I'd be hoping for a more favorable pro united ireland stance from most other gaa people."
Plenty of GAA people aren't for a United Ireland. I'd be one of them. For you to come on here and make assumptions for people living 4 and 5 hours south of you is outrageous. And the Pro Sinn Post before yours is ridiculous aswell. A left wing nut job party. I'd vote DUP before Sinn Fein no problem

bloodyban (Limerick) - Posts: 1710 - 10/03/2019 11:13:36    2171367

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I think we should separate sports and politics in my opinion

PyatPree (Cork) - Posts: 376 - 10/03/2019 11:47:53    2171370

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Replying To bloodyban:  "Plenty of GAA people aren't for a United Ireland. I'd be one of them. For you to come on here and make assumptions for people living 4 and 5 hours south of you is outrageous. And the Pro Sinn Post before yours is ridiculous aswell. A left wing nut job party. I'd vote DUP before Sinn Fein no problem"
Of course not all GAA people are against partition, it is a tolerant diverse organisation. However, I think the majority of people living on the island are for reunification. I doubt if there will ever be one referendum in the 32 counties so we are stuck with the Pax Britannica for decades yet. Name calling your Republican GAA friends as "left wing nut jobs" is unhelpful. Border polls in the 2 different jurisdictions is not the way forward either. Best to Limerick in the semi.

suckvalleypaddy (Galway) - Posts: 1669 - 10/03/2019 12:14:22    2171374

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Replying To royaldunne:  "What??? Ok I'll give you a little bit of a history lesson of myself. my grandfather was in ashbourne in the ira in 1916, and fought under Micheál Collins. We grew up with a picture of the big fella beside the sacred heart picture and the red lamp, everyday we would be told to stand in front of it and remember that the big fella was seated at the right hand of our lord, if we spoke the word dev we would be told to spit afterwards, now for me while I adored my late dad looking back it was brainwashing, , we were always what would be described as constitutional nationalists these days, Austin Currie , john Hume and Seamus Mallon would be men I would admire in the upmost, however my quasi republican views were dealt a huge blow while living in Warington when they bombed it killing children, and while I know there was other unlawful killings, having been pulled in for questioning on that day cause I had a Irish accent (didn't bother me , and I completely understood why I was ) it left a bitter taste in mouth, and led me to profess not in my name , . On the flip side I have ZERO affiliation to unionists or there bigoted /racist views and actions. I find foster, dodds , Wilson etc to be the most repugnant people in politics on either side of the Irish Sea. I don't know how anyone could get that I am sympathetic in any way shape or form to the union or unionists POV. I am as I said a constitutional nationalist, I believe in a 32 county ire and will vote for same when the vote is called, however I do not want my sport (gaa football) that I live and breathe involved in it as a organization, individuals of course are welcome to do as they so wish.
I'll give a prime example many from Meath would know me from social media, I was a very big supporter of ssm (something the dup are against) but I understood the reason why David gaugh was not allowed to wear the wristband and I supported them in that. Also I would be quite prolife (not for religious reasons) but personal ones, i canvassed for a no vote in the referendum, but was highly critical of joe Sheridan a Meath man, who is a legend) and Mickey harte using the gaa to voice the same views as I was expressing. IMHO the only thing that could destroy the gaa is external politics, I go to a game to watch the flags of both counties to roar and shout on Meath , I don't go for any politics, and even if I agree with the arguments been put forward I don't want them mixed with sport."
RD all of us born in the 1960's, I guess you were, were raised with the "Civil War" Politics. Both sides were wrong, the Brits set us up. Now I think Dev was a sneaky politician and Collins executed good men like Liam Mellows, so may they all rest in peace up in Glasnevin. As far as atrocities of the recent past go you are right in condemning them, on all sides. The GAA did not commit those atrocities however. If they are pro Irish language, national unity that is fine with me. Enjoy the breeze in Salthill next year, I think ye bet us in Pairc Tailteann last time out.

maroondiesel (Mayo) - Posts: 1196 - 10/03/2019 12:27:22    2171376

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Replying To royaldunne:  "What??? Ok I'll give you a little bit of a history lesson of myself. my grandfather was in ashbourne in the ira in 1916, and fought under Micheál Collins. We grew up with a picture of the big fella beside the sacred heart picture and the red lamp, everyday we would be told to stand in front of it and remember that the big fella was seated at the right hand of our lord, if we spoke the word dev we would be told to spit afterwards, now for me while I adored my late dad looking back it was brainwashing, , we were always what would be described as constitutional nationalists these days, Austin Currie , john Hume and Seamus Mallon would be men I would admire in the upmost, however my quasi republican views were dealt a huge blow while living in Warington when they bombed it killing children, and while I know there was other unlawful killings, having been pulled in for questioning on that day cause I had a Irish accent (didn't bother me , and I completely understood why I was ) it left a bitter taste in mouth, and led me to profess not in my name , . On the flip side I have ZERO affiliation to unionists or there bigoted /racist views and actions. I find foster, dodds , Wilson etc to be the most repugnant people in politics on either side of the Irish Sea. I don't know how anyone could get that I am sympathetic in any way shape or form to the union or unionists POV. I am as I said a constitutional nationalist, I believe in a 32 county ire and will vote for same when the vote is called, however I do not want my sport (gaa football) that I live and breathe involved in it as a organization, individuals of course are welcome to do as they so wish.
I'll give a prime example many from Meath would know me from social media, I was a very big supporter of ssm (something the dup are against) but I understood the reason why David gaugh was not allowed to wear the wristband and I supported them in that. Also I would be quite prolife (not for religious reasons) but personal ones, i canvassed for a no vote in the referendum, but was highly critical of joe Sheridan a Meath man, who is a legend) and Mickey harte using the gaa to voice the same views as I was expressing. IMHO the only thing that could destroy the gaa is external politics, I go to a game to watch the flags of both counties to roar and shout on Meath , I don't go for any politics, and even if I agree with the arguments been put forward I don't want them mixed with sport."
Very strong post RD.

I would agree with a lot of it.

I'm not wholly against politics intruding on sport.

You look to the apartheid era ban on South African participation in rugby and how that contributed in part to the fall of that regime.

Politics invades every form of life and realistically sport can't always be cleanly compartmentalised to exclude it. You look to say something like Golf's European Tour and it's close relationship with Saudi Arabia and the tacit approval of that regime that is being bestowed on it. The 2018 World Cup was a propaganda exercise for the Russia government.

It's hard for sport and politics to not mix at times.

I don't think there's a need for the association to be involved in this debate. There's plenty for it to be doing itself rather than getting involved in this debate right now.

This assumption that there is consensus within the association on this matter or the assumption that of course the GAA should be pro a united Ireland at this juncture is really telling.

There's an underlying authoritarian viewpoint coming across from some of the posters on here. I don't believe there is a place for that in modern Ireland. That couldn't be more out of keeping with the declarations of the leaders of the rising.

Whammo86 (Antrim) - Posts: 4217 - 10/03/2019 13:12:16    2171380

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Replying To Whammo86:  "Very strong post RD.

I would agree with a lot of it.

I'm not wholly against politics intruding on sport.

You look to the apartheid era ban on South African participation in rugby and how that contributed in part to the fall of that regime.

Politics invades every form of life and realistically sport can't always be cleanly compartmentalised to exclude it. You look to say something like Golf's European Tour and it's close relationship with Saudi Arabia and the tacit approval of that regime that is being bestowed on it. The 2018 World Cup was a propaganda exercise for the Russia government.

It's hard for sport and politics to not mix at times.

I don't think there's a need for the association to be involved in this debate. There's plenty for it to be doing itself rather than getting involved in this debate right now.

This assumption that there is consensus within the association on this matter or the assumption that of course the GAA should be pro a united Ireland at this juncture is really telling.

There's an underlying authoritarian viewpoint coming across from some of the posters on here. I don't believe there is a place for that in modern Ireland. That couldn't be more out of keeping with the declarations of the leaders of the rising."
I would agree with you, that it's very hard to keep sport separate from politics, but we should strive to limit it as much as possible, my post just proves I can be serious sometimes:).

royaldunne (Meath) - Posts: 19449 - 10/03/2019 15:34:47    2171399

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